Ambika

AMBIKA: In this print from the Ravi Varma Press derived from a painting by Raja Ravi Varma, the primordial Mother Goddess, Raja-Rajeshwari or Lalitha or Tripura Sundari is depicted in the form of Ambika. Ambika is a name for the other Goddess as found in the Lalitha Sahasranama (Ambika Nandhanidhana). She is said to reside in the Bindu or centre of the tantric representation of Shakti called the Sri-Chakra.

In this representation, she is shown seated on a resplendent throne with an umbrella. She has four arms which carry a noose (pasha) which symbolizes ignorance, a goad (ankusha) which symbolizes restraint, a bow of sugarcane and arrows of flowers (in this representation she holds a lotus). She is attended upon by minor deities and attendants.